Past winners of Retailer of the Year

In 2011, Westlake Ace Hardware took top honors as Home Channel News "Retailer of the Year." The Lenexa, Kan.-based 88-store retail company has successfully planned and executed a customer service initiative and re-established its mission to serve the needs of project-oriented DIYers through a program called Project North Star. 

Here are the recent HCN Retailers of the Year:

2010: Leeds, Ala.-based Marvin's Building Materials and Home Centers

2009: Retail Partner of the Year: Memphis, Tenn.-based Orgill

2008: Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe's

2007: Brentwood, Tenn.-based Tractor Supply Co.

2006: Atlanta-based The Home Depot